I still think unless the person isn't a truly a people person, most waiters and waitresses I've dealt with, genuinely like people and enjoy what they do. I don't think anyone is going to take a waitstaff job if they hate people... they'd be miserable! I'm sure there is the exception out there, but for the most part, waiters and waitresses I've worked with and dealt with have been great. I have my favorite places to go to, who I like to deal with, and if someone is having a bad night/afternoon or whatever, it happens. We're all human. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

It's kind of like being a teacher. If I didn't like kids, and I didn't like dealing with them every day.... I wouldn't be in this profession. I might get some brats who just like to give me a hard time, but still, I'm the adult and I am also getting paid by tax dollars. When it comes to the point that I don't like what I do, and I don't enjoy working with the kids, then I will leave, because I won't be doing the kids any favors by staying. I KNOW there are teachers out there that should retire because they don't like dealing with the kids any longer, but for the most part, I'd say the ones who are teaching are doing it because they love it. The ones who aren't there for the kids shouldn't be there.

As for Nicole's one comment, I can't see taking the attitude that they knew what job they were getting into and that the pay is lower than minimum wage so they should expect to only make that much... someone else said it as well... the restaurants expect the tips to make up the balance of what you are paid per hour. Fast food restaurants are the exception, they get paid at least minimum wage (and usually get a meal deal as well). No one is out there because they want to get paid only 2.30/hr and wait on people because they think we're so much fun to deal with. That's just masochistic!